Bobbin Tension

[TomG]

This is probably a silly question, but I gotta ask.

If you change from 69 thread to say 138 - top and bottom - do you need to readjust the bobbin tension? My 111W155 seems too tight with the 138, but fine with the lighter thread.

Thanks

[Art]

Larger diameter thread will cause a slight increase in tension, generally all around. The bottom tension is set to generally just prevent top looping on your smallest thread and be ok or just a smidgen tight on your largest. I've found you can usually run 69, 92, and 138 without a lot of fuss. If you can't do that, just get another bobbin case and set it up for 138.

Don't feel bad, I have had machines that complain when you change colors in the same size.

Art

[TomG]

Thanks Art.

I went ahead and turned it down about 3/8 of a turn. I also found that my senior moment caused a couple of issues. The thread had gone behind that bottom tension disk and I had forgotten to put a larger needle in Was using a size 22.

I took a piece of upholstery leather, folded it halfway down, then folded that halfway down. So I went from a single layer, to a quadruple layer. (Imitating the seam on a bag I am making)

Now it sewed the length and only needed a slight bit of help to make the step up to the 4 layers. I did have a problem going down in that the back of the presser foot would still be on the 4 layers while the needle was sewing the single layer and get stuck.

But thanks for the help

[Art]

A #22 is the correct needle for V-138 thread. Sometimes you have to skive a little to reduce bulk, there are also things like presser foot pressure and lift height that can be tried. Not all sewing machines can sew at their limits without some adjustment. Remember that these are industrial machines and are setup to do one thing and do it well, so a little adjustment is necessary when you move the goalposts.

Art

[Hockeymender]

Don't feel bad, I have had machines that complain when you change colors in the same size.

Art

It's good to know that I'm not the only one that has had that happen!

[Colt W Knight]

I have a 1 lbs spool of black I can't get to run through my Consew

[JLSleather]

Bobbin cases are cheap, generally. I usually recommend having a few for these type machines. When you want to change sizes, just pull out the case for that size and go -- it will already be at least very close to the correct tension (all the time).

I think bobbin cases for my Consew (206-rb5) were about $5 each.

[TomG]

I haven't checked the nylon thread, but I can tell you that in the embroidery world, black thread is usually a bit thicker and rougher than any other color.

I wish the 111W155 had bobbin cases, but they are drop-in bobbins. Oh well <g>

Thanks for all the help and advice

[lolly]

Hi,

I'm new here...first post:) I just bought a cones 206 rb-2 and am getting it set up. I bought a servo motor and my kind husband installed it for me....now I'm trying to figure out how to adjust my tension and I'm having some difficulty. I am sewing with size 207 thread to mimic my hand sewing which produces the look I want. I bought the correct needles for that thread (180/24, leather) but I still keep getting loops on the bottom of my stitch line. The top stitches look great, the machine doesn't hesitate to sew my project, but the bottom stitches are just a tiny bit loopy - or not even that, they just don't sink into the center of the leather like they should. I've adjusted my top tension until my thread actually breaks when I pull it....seems too tight...but it's only changed my stitch appearance slightly. What am I doing wrong?? I would love any info you all might have to offer! Thanks,

Alicia

[Colt W Knight]

Hi,

I'm new here...first post:) I just bought a cones 206 rb-2 and am getting it set up. I bought a servo motor and my kind husband installed it for me....now I'm trying to figure out how to adjust my tension and I'm having some difficulty. I am sewing with size 207 thread to mimic my hand sewing which produces the look I want. I bought the correct needles for that thread (180/24, leather) but I still keep getting loops on the bottom of my stitch line. The top stitches look great, the machine doesn't hesitate to sew my project, but the bottom stitches are just a tiny bit loopy - or not even that, they just don't sink into the center of the leather like they should. I've adjusted my top tension until my thread actually breaks when I pull it....seems too tight...but it's only changed my stitch appearance slightly. What am I doing wrong?? I would love any info you all might have to offer! Thanks,

Alicia

I can't get my Consew 206 to sew 207, I have to use 138.